Denied FEMA Assistance? Start an Appeal

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By Earle Kimel, Sarasota Heard Tribune - 10-31-2022 A denial is not the last word, according to FEMA. “People see that first paragraph, throw it away and think that’s the end,” says FEMA spokeswoman Renee Bafalis. SARASOTA, Fla. – Applicants who receive a denial letter after applying for Hurricane Ian relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency should not take that as the government’s Continue Reading

HURRICANE IAN AFTERMATH

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1. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian – many Snowbirds and recent Northern transplants – will decide the Sunshine / Hurricane State is not for them – and will decide to sell their Florida homes – short term result – more listings – decreased demand – lower prices 2. The number insurance companies willing to offer homeowner insurance in the Sunshine State will continue its rapid decline – Continue Reading

LAKEWOOD RANCH CELEBRATES 5th YEAR AS BEST-SELLING ALL-AGES COMMUNITY IN U.S.

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Lakewood Ranch is once again the top-selling multi-generational community in the nation with 1,026 sales so far this year, according to RCLCO’s semiannual Top 50 Master-Planned Communities report. The Villages active-adult community in Central Florida was first place overall with an estimated 1,500 sales year to date and Silverado in Dallas came in a distant third place with 599 sales. Florida Continue Reading

Sarasota named one of best places to live in USA

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For its desirability, quality of life and cost of living, Sarasota was named one of the best places to live in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The annual rankings, released this week by the media company, put Sarasota at No. 9 on a list of the 150 best places to live in the country, making it the only Florida city to land in the top 10.  U.S. News & Continue Reading

Lakewood Ranch is Still America’s Favorite Place to Call Home

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For the fourth year running, Lakewood Ranch is the #1 multi-generational community in the USA, meaning more people of all ages chose The Ranch as their home than any other community. Here, year-round outdoor living and deep-rooted community connections meet a large selection of new-home options for the whole family, at every size and stage of life. And each year, as more families call Continue Reading

BRENT LEATHWOOD, MBA

LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER | BK 3300751

CROSS BORDER REALTY LLC | CQ1046895
2100 CONSTITUTION BLVD. #207
SARASOTA, FL, 34231
(941) 882-2995
Contact
3 Big Mistakes Buyers make:

  1. 1. NOT KNOWING THE NEIGHBORHOOD...ContinuedReal estate always has been and always will be a local business. Know your neighborhood is a cardinal rule in this business. A real estate professional knows what is going on in their local market area. Hire a knowledge, local professional. When we see folks wandering around with a notebook and a list of questions, we know they are the most likely to make a costly mistake. A PROFESSIONAL Realtor, (please note the word professional), can spend 15 minutes listening to your needs and wants, and probably rule out 90% of the local market options, and focus your attention, on the 3 or 4 or 5 communities that will meet your needs, and make sense from both a financial and lifestyle point of view. I am amazed at how many people from out of State, go it alone, end up buying in the wrong community, and come to regret it. I meet people like this everyday, and everyone single one of them will say to me: “I wish we had met you first.”
  2. 2. GETTING STUCK IN AN HOA NIGHTMARE...ContinuedHome owners association nightmares are the stuff of legend in our State. Do not buy the wrong property in the wrong community. A knowledgeable real estate professional can explain to you upfront, the ins and outs of the HOA regulations of the community you are considering, and help you avoid 99% of these potential pitfalls. This is another very costly mistake.
  3. 3. THINKING YOU DO NOT NEED A REALTOR WHEN BUYING A NEW HOME...ContinuedEverybody knows you need a Realtor to represent you, when buying a resale home. Many do not know, you also need a Realtor to represent you, when buying a new home. The new home sales person in the model home works for the Builder, not the Buyer. They are paid to look out for their employer’s interests, not yours. You will not save $1 by going it alone. You will lose money. A lot of money. One of our largest local builders reported 872 annual sales, of which, 762 were handled by Realtors representing the Buyer. That is 87% of the total. The Builder has already factored paying a finder’s fee into the price. The Builder will not rebate $1 of this money back to you. Builders laugh under their breath, when Buyers try this negotiating tactic, even though they will politely agree with you. Professional representation costs you $0, why would you fend for yourself, in a market you know almost nothing about? Buyers know less than 20% of what they actually need to know, to get a great deal. Having gone through the new home buying process hundreds of times with clients, we know all the pitfalls to avoid, and how to make the process go smoothly. Do not go it alone, get professional representation, it costs you $0. Not doing this is the most costly of the 3 mistakes. But everyone has heard the old saying, you can lead a horse to water. We are in the business of helping our customers solve a problem. Our ability to do that, is the sole reason we have a thriving business. We are here to help you through the entire process, and get a great deal.

4 Big Mistakes Investors make:
  1. INCOME... ContinuedThe rental income does not justify the $/sq. ft. purchase price.
  2. EXPENSES... Continued The monthly expenses are too high, relative to the property type and rental income produced.
  3. CAP RATE... Continued The capitalization rate is too low to justify the investment.
  4. HOA REGS... Continued The home owners association regulations are too restrictive, or do not permit the intended use. Frequently overlooked or glossed over by some sales people, the long run financial consequences are catastrophic if a mismatch occurs.
Avoid Costly $$$ Mistakes: Hire Brent. Costs you $0.